Nature — Spain — NextOnTrip

Erralla

Zestoa

Erralla is a cave archaeological site in Zestoa, in the Gipuzkoa province of the Basque Country, set in the valley of the Urola river. It is one of several Palaeolithic sites clustered in this area — the caves of Ekain and Amalda lie just a few kilometres away, making the Urola valley one of the key regions for research into Western Europe's deep past. What was discovered at Erralla? The cave was occupied by humans during the Magdalenian period, and one of its layers (level V) has been dated to around 10,580 years ago, corresponding to the Lower Magdalenian. Excavations led by Basque archaeologists Jesús Altuna, Alfonso Baldeón and Koro Mariezkurrena uncovered a rich assemblage of bone tools and faunal remains typical of hunter-gatherer groups of that era. One especially notable find is a canid humerus bone recovered from the Lower Magdalenian layer. Analysis and radiocarbon dating suggest it may represent one of the earliest examples of a domesticated dog in Europe, placing Erralla at the centre of scientific debate about the origins of the human-dog relationship. Can you visit the cave itself? Erralla is primarily a scientific excavation site rather than a tourist attraction — free access to the cave is not permitted, since its archaeological layers are protected from disturbance. Travellers curious about the region's prehistory should instead head to Ekainberri, an interpretation centre in the same municipality of Zestoa, which houses a faithful replica of the nearby Ekain cave and its Palaeolithic rock art, considered among the best preserved in Europe. How to get to Zestoa? Zestoa sits in the Urola valley, between Azpeitia and the Cantabrian coast, within easy reach of San Sebastián (Donostia) and Bilbao — both cities have road and rail links to the area. A car is the most practical way to explore, since it lets you combine a visit to Ekainberri with short trips to nearby Urola valley towns and the coast, such as Zumaia and its striking flysch cliffs. When is the best time to go? The region has an Atlantic climate — mild but rainy for much of the year. The best months to visit are spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October), when temperatures are pleasant and crowds thinner than in high summer. In summer, the Urola valley sees more family traffic heading to the coastal beaches, which means busier conditions at nearby attractions, including Ekainberri — booking ahead is recommended. Why does Erralla matter scientifically? Together with Ekain and Amalda, Erralla forms a sequence of sites that lets researchers trace changes in the way human groups lived in the Urola valley over millennia — from hunting strategies to the seasonal mobility of Magdalenian bands. Combined palynological and archaeozoological studies of these three sites provide one of the most complete pictures of the Upper Palaeolithic in southern Europe. Frequently asked questions Is Erralla cave open to the public? No — it is an active or protected research site with no free public access. Anyone interested in the topic should visit Ekainberri in the same municipality instead. What was found inside Erralla cave? Bone and stone tools from the Magdalenian period, plus a canid bone considered one of the earliest pieces of evidence for dog domestication in Europe. How do you get to Zestoa? The easiest way is by car from San Sebastián or Bilbao — both are under an hour's drive away. Are there other Palaeolithic sites nearby? Yes — the same Urola valley contains the caves of Ekain and Amalda, together forming an important research complex for the Upper Palaeolithic.

Cueva de Andrebod

Bierge

Cueva de Andrebod is a large, dry cave in the Sierra de Guara, within the municipality of Bierge, in the province of Huesca, Aragón. It sits inside the Garganta Baja gorge (also known as the Barranco Andrebod), on the way toward Seral and Losa Mora, within the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park. What will you see inside? Andrebod is the largest cave in this part of the Sierra de Guara. Its wide mouth is visible from a distance to anyone hiking through the Garganta Baja — the entrance measures roughly 44 metres across and 6 to 8 metres high, while the cave itself runs about 70 metres deep. The interior is dry and steep, with a floor that climbs upward toward the back, covered in rocks coated with limestone crusts up to two decimetres thick. Near the rear, the ceiling flattens out and is lined with rope-like limestone formations that resemble the beams of a roof. The cave also carries archaeological weight: a red pictograph was found inside and documented in 1972 by researcher Antonio Beltrán in his monograph on the rock art of Lecina. Because of this find, Cueva de Andrebod is listed as a site of cultural interest in the province of Huesca. The cave's name first appears in written records back in 1878, in a note by the geologist Lucas Mallada. How do you get there? Reaching the cave takes some effort — there is no comfortable marked trail, and the final approach is steep and demands decent fitness. That lack of infrastructure is precisely why the site has kept its wild, secluded character. Andrebod sits along popular circular hiking routes around Bierge and Rodellar, so most visitors reach it as part of a longer walk through the Sierra de Guara canyons rather than as a standalone destination. Sturdy hiking boots, water, and a good trail map are worth carrying, since the ground is rocky and signage is minimal. When is the best time to visit? Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures across Aragón are mild and the canyon trails around Guara aren't baking under the summer sun. Summers in the region can get very hot, making the steep climb to the cave uncomfortable, while winter rains can leave some stretches muddy or slippery. The Sierra de Guara area is famous for its canyons and gorges, so many visitors pair a stop at the cave with a longer stay focused on canyoning and hiking through the surrounding valleys. Frequently asked questions Is there a marked trail to Cueva de Andrebod? No, there is no comfortable, signposted path — the approach is steep and requires care, especially near the top. Can you see rock art inside the cave? Yes, a red pictograph was documented here in 1972, giving the cave archaeological significance. How large is Cueva de Andrebod? It's the largest cave in this part of the Sierra de Guara, roughly 44 metres wide, 70 metres deep, and 6 to 8 metres high at the entrance. Is it worth combining with other spots near Bierge? Yes, the cave lies along hiking routes toward Seral and Losa Mora, making it a natural stop on a longer trip through the Sierra de Guara canyons.

Sima de la Raja

Villanueva de Alcorón

Sima de la Raja is a vertical karst cave in the municipality of Villanueva de Alcorón, in the province of Guadalajara, inside the Alto Tajo Natural Park. This is a destination for people drawn to real caving rather than a paved-path attraction — reaching the inside requires speleological gear and basic rope-descent technique. What is this place? Sima de la Raja is a karst shaft roughly 90 metres deep. Its entrance is a narrow fissure in the ground, easy to spot thanks to a tree growing right beside the opening. The first stretch is a vertical shaft about 45 metres long, wide near the surface and narrowing as it descends. At the bottom of this first drop, a stone ramp leads to a side chamber filled with dripstone formations — stalactites and other rock structures shaped over thousands of years. In 2018, the Castilla-La Mancha Federation of Speleology and Canyoning selected Sima de la Raja as the second "school sima" of the Serrezuela de Valsalobre, a site set aside for training vertical caving techniques such as rope descent and ascent. It should not be confused with the nearby Sima de Alcorón, a much more accessible cave roughly 63 metres deep, fitted with 207 steps and handrails and built for ordinary visitors who do not carry climbing equipment. How to get there? Sima de la Raja is reached via the CM-2101 road linking Villanueva de Alcorón and Peñalén. About 600 metres before the Refugio de la Zapatilla recreational area and the entrance to Sima de Alcorón, an unmarked track branches off toward the cave opening. The route runs through the Alto Tajo Natural Park, so a good map or GPS device is worth carrying — the entrance is not visible from the road and is easy to miss. What should you know before going in? Descending into Sima de la Raja is a technical activity that calls for proper preparation: harness, rope, carabiners, and the skills needed to move through a vertical cave. This is not an outing for casual visitors without experience, unlike the neighbouring Sima de Alcorón, which has fixed stairs and lighting. Anyone interested in the region's karst landscape and geology without wanting to rappel is better served by that second cave, or by the scenic hiking trails nearby in the Tagus valley. When to visit? Spring and autumn are the best times to come, when surface temperatures are mild and the cave interior stays at a constant, cool temperature year-round regardless of the season. In summer it is worth avoiding the hottest hours of the day on the approach to the entrance, while in winter the access track can be difficult after rain or snow. Frequently asked questions Can you enter Sima de la Raja without caving experience? It is not advisable. The descent requires speleological equipment and technical skill — the first stretch alone is a vertical shaft nearly 45 metres deep. How deep is the cave? Sima de la Raja is roughly 90 metres deep, with an entrance shaft of about 45 metres leading down to a chamber filled with dripstone formations. How is it different from Sima de Alcorón? Sima de Alcorón is a separate, nearby cave that is far easier to visit, fitted with 207 steps and handrails, and suited to ordinary visitors without climbing gear. How do you find the entrance? The opening sits just off the CM-2101 road between Villanueva de Alcorón and Peñalén, about 600 metres before the Refugio de la Zapatilla — recognizable by its narrow fissure in the ground with a tree growing beside it.

Cueva del Hundidero

Montejaque

Cueva del Hundidero is a monumental karst cave in Montejaque, right at the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in Málaga province. It's one of Andalusia's most striking geological sights — the place where the Guadares River suddenly vanishes underground, only to resurface several kilometers away. What will you see there? The cave mouth looks like a giant collapsed amphitheater carved into the limestone. Over thousands of years, the Guadares River dissolved the rock, hollowing out a vast network of underground galleries roughly 4 km long. Water that disappears into the Hundidero doesn't reappear until it reaches the famous Cueva del Gato on the other side of the massif — an underground journey that explains the name "Hundidero," meaning "the place where things sink." Right at the cave entrance stand the ruins of an abandoned dam, the Presa de Montejaque, also known as Presa de los Caballeros or Presa del Hundidero. Built in 1924 in a record nine months, it was at the time the largest barrel-vault dam in Spain and the first structure of its kind in Europe, reaching a height of 74 meters. The project turned out to be an engineering failure: the permeable karst bedrock let the reservoir's water seep away within hours. Despite repair attempts, the dam was eventually abandoned, and today its concrete silhouette offers a stark, post-industrial contrast to the wild landscape around it. The whole area is protected as a Monumento Natural de Andalucía, underlining its outstanding natural and scenic value. How do you get to Cueva del Hundidero? The starting point sits by Montejaque, a small whitewashed village in the Serranía de Ronda, only a short drive from Ronda itself. A marked hiking trail leads to the cave — one of the region's classic routes, linking Hundidero to Cueva del Gato through a scenic canyon carved by the Guadares River. The walk suits anyone with average fitness, though sturdy hiking shoes and water are worth bringing, especially in summer. When is the best time to visit? Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures in the Serranía de Ronda are mild and river flow lets you fully appreciate the geological spectacle. In summer the rocky basin can get hot, though the cave's interior offers a cool retreat. In winter, after heavy rains, the water flow tends to be at its most dramatic. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the cave? Reaching the main entrance and the dam ruins is possible on foot without special gear. Exploring the deeper gallery system, however, requires caving experience and equipment, so most visitors stick to admiring the impressive entrance and surrounding ruins. What is the dam next to the cave? It's what remains of the 1924 Presa de Montejaque, an ambitious hydroelectric project that never worked because of the permeable karst ground beneath it. Today it stands as a valued industrial landmark and a highly photogenic stop along the route. Is the trail to Cueva del Gato difficult? The path connecting the two caves runs through the Guadares River canyon and is moderately demanding — no extreme climbs, but good footwear and a sense of orientation help, particularly if you plan a one-way hike. Where exactly is Cueva del Hundidero located? The cave lies within the municipality of Montejaque, inside the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in Málaga province, close to Ronda and the wider Serranía de Ronda.

Abric de Seguili

Alcalalí

Abric de Seguili is a prehistoric rock shelter with ancient paintings, set on the limestone ridge of the Sierra del Seguili in the municipality of Alcalalí, in the Marina Alta region of Alicante province. The range separates the valleys of Alcalalí, Orba, Benidoleig and Llosa de Camatxo, and the shelter itself sits on its slopes — a spot that offered both a lookout point and cover for people passing through these hills over thousands of years. What will you see at Abric de Seguili? The rock overhang preserves paintings combining two styles typical of eastern Spanish rock art: schematic art and Levantine art. Schematic art relies on simplified, geometric forms — dots, strokes and stylised human figures — that most likely carried symbolic or ritual meaning. Levantine art is more naturalistic, and at Seguili it includes female figures rendered in the technique characteristic of that tradition. The paintings are dated to the late Neolithic and the Bronze Age, roughly between 4,000 and 1,500 years BCE. The rock art at Seguili belongs to the wider group of sites making up the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage property, and it is also listed in the Valencian Cultural Heritage Inventory. Despite its modest size, the shelter therefore carries real scientific and historical weight, offering a window onto continuous human presence and symbolic practice in the area across several millennia. How do you get to Abric de Seguili? A hiking trail crossing the Seguili range leads to the shelter, starting from the area around Alcalalí. The route is not technically demanding — the only tougher stretch is the initial, fairly steep climb onto the ridge. After that, the path continues over gentler terrain with views across the Marina Alta valleys. Because the range is low (around 400 metres above sea level), the whole outing can be completed in a few hours without specialised gear — sturdy walking shoes and water are enough. When should you visit? Spring and autumn are the best times, when temperatures in Marina Alta are mild and the limestone slopes don't heat up too much under direct sun. In summer, it's worth setting off early in the morning to avoid the heat on the exposed sections of the trail. Winter days can be pleasant when sunny, but it's worth checking the forecast, since the ridge can catch strong wind. Why visit Sierra del Seguili? For centuries, the Sierra del Seguili was used as pastureland and for cultivation, visible today in the terracing and dry-stone walls along the slopes. For visitors, it brings together two things: the agricultural landscape typical of inland Marina Alta, and evidence of the earliest human presence in the region, preserved in its rock paintings. The site appeals equally to hikers and to anyone interested in the archaeology and prehistory of the Iberian Peninsula. Frequently asked questions What is Abric de Seguili? It's a rock shelter with paintings in the schematic and Levantine styles, dated to the late Neolithic and Bronze Age, located on the Seguili ridge in the municipality of Alcalalí. Is the walk to the shelter difficult? No, the route is moderate — the only challenge is a short, steep climb at the start of the trail. The rest covers gentler ground. Can you visit the paintings freely? The shelter sits along a public hiking route and can be visited independently, but as protected heritage it calls for extra care — the paintings should never be touched. What else is worth seeing nearby? The Marina Alta region, including the towns of Alcalalí, Orba and Parcent, offers a network of hiking trails through almond groves and vineyards, along with other rock art sites forming part of the UNESCO Mediterranean Basin listing.

Cova del Tendo

la Ràpita

Cova del Tendo is a small cave in the Serra del Montsià mountains, rising above the coastal town of la Ràpita near the Ebro Delta. Tucked into the slope of the Moleta de Cartagena, it owes its reputation to a rock painting discovered in 1964, once considered the oldest known cave art in Catalonia. What will you find inside? The cave itself is modest — essentially a narrow, near-vertical shaft that widens as it descends, rather than a system of open chambers. Its entrance sits on a terraced hillside among small plots of land and is marked by a metal gate for safety. The cavity runs to roughly 202 metres, making it one of the better-known, if compact, karst features of the Montsià range. It was here, in 1964, that researcher Eduard Ripoll documented a mural painting showing a bull rendered in an Upper Paleolithic style, paired with a debated Levantine-style human figure interpreted by some as an archer. The bull, facing right, measured around 33 centimetres in height. The find was the first Paleolithic rock painting recorded in the eastern sector of the Iberian Peninsula, with an estimated age of about 22,000 years. Unfortunately, the painting can no longer be seen on site. The rock formation carrying the image was chipped away and taken by an unknown person at some point after its discovery, and its whereabouts have never been established. What remains today is the cave formation itself and its place in the archaeological record of the area. How do you get to Cova del Tendo? The cave lies within the Montsià mountains, in the municipality of la Ràpita, and forms part of a well-known network of hiking trails connecting it to other nearby spots such as Cocó de Victorio, Quatre Mollons, Bassa de la Galla, Font del Burgar, and the Mata-redona recreational area. Most routes start from la Ràpita or the forest tracks leading up into the range, and the walk is popular with local hikers familiar with the terrain. Given its narrow, steep entrance, entering the cave itself calls for caution and is not recommended without proper experience. Most visitors treat it as a stop along a longer walking route rather than a standalone destination. When should you visit? Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking in the Serra del Montsià, offering mild temperatures away from the summer heat typical of the nearby Costa Daurada coastline. In summer, an early morning start is advisable to avoid the midday sun on the exposed, rocky trails. Why visit this spot? Cova del Tendo appeals to anyone interested in archaeology and the early history of human presence in the la Ràpita area, which dates back to the Paleolithic era — a fact documented, even if the artwork itself no longer survives, by the painting found here. It also offers a chance to combine a small piece of prehistoric history with a scenic walk through the rocky landscape of the Montsià range, overlooking the Ebro Delta. Frequently asked questions Can you still see the rock painting inside the cave? No. The original 1964 painting was destroyed — the rock section bearing the image was chipped off and removed, and it has never been recovered. Only the cave formation itself remains. Is the cave easy to visit? The entrance to Cova del Tendo is a narrow, steep, nearly vertical shaft, so exploring the interior is not recommended without proper caving experience. It remains, however, a striking feature to see from outside along the hiking trail. How do you reach Cova del Tendo from la Ràpita? The cave sits in the Montsià mountains close to la Ràpita and is part of popular hiking routes linking it to other nearby points such as Cocó de Victorio and the Mata-redona recreational area. Why is this cave historically significant? The painting discovered here was the first known example of Paleolithic art in the eastern Iberian Peninsula and, for years, was considered the oldest cave painting in Catalonia, dated to roughly 22,000 years ago.

Cova del Cingle dels Òbits

Matadepera

Cova del Cingle dels Òbits is a small cave in the municipality of Matadepera, tucked into a rock cliff (cingle) within the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac massif in Catalonia. It's also known as Cova dels Ossos — the Cave of Bones — a nickname that comes from a find made there over a century ago. Where is it located? The cave sits between the spots known as Òbits and Font Flàvia, cut into the rock face that runs along this stretch of the Sant Llorenç del Munt range. A path following the cliff line connects the cave to nearby Font Flàvia spring and other cavities in the area; the final stretch to the entrance runs about 190 meters. How do you get there? Most visitors start from Matadepera or from one of the trailheads across the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac massif, a popular hiking destination near Terrassa and Barcelona. The approach hugs a rock cliff, so sturdy hiking boots are a good idea — the ground is stony and narrows in places. Font Flàvia acts as a natural landmark to orient yourself along the way. What will you see there? The entrance is about two meters high and one meter wide — a discreet opening in the rock that's easy to miss without knowing the terrain. Inside, a single gallery runs 23 meters. Worth knowing before you go: reaching the interior requires a rope — this isn't a spot for casual exploring without the right gear and experience. From outside, though, you can still get a good look at the entrance and appreciate how the cave sits within the cliff face. History and archaeological finds The cave was first explored in September 1912 by a team from the Centre Excursionista de Terrassa, led by Frederic Segués. They found a collection of bones at the entrance, which is how the cave earned its alternate name, Cova dels Ossos. Later work turned up ceramic fragments too — remains of an amphora and everyday pottery — dated to the Iberian and Roman periods, roughly between the 2nd century BC and the 5th century AD. Those pieces are now held at the History Museum of Sabadell. The finds suggest the area around the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif was used by people in antiquity, with the cave possibly serving as shelter or storage. When should you visit? Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac is mountain terrain, so spring and autumn are the best times to hike here — mild temperatures and trails that haven't been washed out by winter rain. In summer, head out early to avoid the heat on the exposed, rocky sections. Winter visits are possible, but check the forecast, since the cliff areas can get windy at altitude. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the cave without equipment? No. Reaching the gallery inside requires a rope, so without proper preparation and experience it's best to view the entrance from outside only. Why is the cave also called Cova dels Ossos? The name comes from bones found at the entrance during the first exploration in 1912 by a team from the Centre Excursionista de Terrassa. What archaeological finds came from the cave? Ceramic fragments — remains of an amphora and everyday pottery — dated to the Iberian and Roman periods (2nd century BC to 5th century AD), now kept at the History Museum of Sabadell. How big is the cave? It has a single 23-meter gallery, with an entrance about two meters high and one meter wide.

Cueva de la Mora

Basardilla

Cueva de la Mora is a small rock cave near Basardilla, in the province of Segovia, set within the canyon landscape carved by the Pirón and Viejo rivers. Its entrance is concealed behind a large, upright limestone slab, so the cave is easy to miss unless you're specifically looking for it along the trail. Where exactly is the cave? Cueva de la Mora sits on a rocky outcrop just above a spring, in the Río Viejo valley. This is limestone country, cut by the Pirón and Viejo rivers along the border of the Torreiglesias and Losana de Pirón municipalities, a few kilometers from Basardilla in the rural heart of the Segovia Sur area. The surrounding countryside is known for its compact, scenic canyons with notable landscape and historical value. What will you see inside? The cave itself isn't large, but it has one striking feature: a natural "window" opened in the rock face, facing south. Daylight streams through this opening, and from inside you get a clear view over the Río Viejo canyon. Deeper in the cave there's also a small tomb carved into the rock — according to local legend, a Moorish child was buried here, which gave the cave its alternate name, "Cuna del Niño Moro" (Cradle of the Moorish Child). A few hundred meters from the entrance, almost at plateau level, lies La Torca, a sinkhole formed when the roof of a large underground chamber collapsed. How do you get there? The most straightforward way to reach Cueva de la Mora is on the "Cañones del Río Pirón y Viejo" hiking route, which starts in Peñarrubias de Pirón. The trail runs roughly 11 km, following the beds of both rivers past medieval bridges and centuries-old trees before reaching the rocky spur where the cave sits. The full loop takes at least four hours and is rated easy, making it a viable day trip almost any time of year. Sturdy footwear helps, since part of the route crosses the stony valley floor and requires wading through the riverbed. When is the best time to visit? Thanks to its easy profile, the trail can be walked in any season, though spring and autumn are the safest bets — river levels stay moderate and temperatures are comfortable for a multi-hour walk. In summer, an early start helps you avoid the heat on the more exposed stretches of the canyon; in winter, expect higher water levels after rainfall. What else is worth seeing nearby? Many hikers combine Cueva de la Mora with a visit to the nearby Cueva de la Vaquera, a popular variant for those who want to see more than one cave in a single outing. The Segovia Sur area, which includes Basardilla, has several similarly uncrowded landscape spots along the Pirón valley — a good option for travelers looking for quiet nature away from Segovia's more famous, busier sights. Frequently asked questions Do you need a guide to visit the cave? No — the trail is marked and rated easy, so you can visit on your own as long as you stick to the signposted route. Is the inside of the cave dark? Not entirely — the natural rock window lets daylight into the main chamber, though the side recesses are dim enough to warrant a torch. How long does the whole hike take? The full "Cañones del Río Pirón y Viejo" loop takes at least four hours round trip, including the walk to the cave and back to Peñarrubias de Pirón. Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — La Torca sinkhole lies just a few hundred meters from the cave, and further along the trail you'll find Cueva de la Vaquera, the region's other well-known cave.

Fuente Santa

Fuencaliente de La Palma

Fuente Santa is a hot spring on the southern coast of Fuencaliente de La Palma, on the Canary Island of La Palma, famed for centuries for its healing waters and for the dramatic story of its disappearance beneath a lava flow. Why is Fuente Santa so famous? The indigenous Benahoarita people who lived on La Palma before the Spanish conquest already knew the spring, calling it Tagragito, meaning "hot water." After the island's conquest in 1493, Spanish settlers rediscovered it, and word of its curative power spread quickly. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the sick travelled from across Europe and the Americas to bathe in its waters, seeking relief from skin conditions, rheumatism, arthritis and other chronic ailments. The water was considered so valuable that it was shipped in barrels to Cuba and sold further afield across the American continent, making Fuente Santa one of the most respected healing sites of its time. What happened to the spring? In 1677, an eruption of the San Antonio volcano buried Fuente Santa under dozens of metres of lava, destroying the historic San Lorenzo and San Blas pools. The spring vanished from view for more than three centuries. Locals never forgot the legendary waters, and several search attempts were made over the years, but it was not until 1995 that the mayor of Fuencaliente launched a serious project to locate it again. The breakthrough came in 2005, when engineers from the Canary Islands' General Directorate of Water drilled a tunnel nearly 200 metres long through the cliff and reached the exact spot where the historic pools once stood. What makes the water special? Analysis carried out by the Oliver Rodés Laboratory in Barcelona found that Fuente Santa's water is sodium chloride with a carbogaseous composition — a rare and highly prized type of thermal water in balneology. Its temperature can reach up to 60°C, making it one of the hottest natural water sources in the Canary Islands. How do you get to Fuente Santa? Fuente Santa sits at the southern tip of the municipality of Fuencaliente de La Palma, at the foot of a steep volcanic cliff roughly 150 metres high, near Echentive beach. Driving from Santa Cruz de La Palma or the island's airport takes about 40 minutes. A coastal hiking trail leads to the site itself; the terrain is raw and volcanic, so comfortable footwear and enough time to walk the route are worth planning for. What will you see there? Fuencaliente is currently developing Fuente Santa into a thermal spa complex, designed by architect Federico Soriano, winner of an international ideas competition for the project. The concept uses the site's natural rock terraces to create thermal routes with pools and caves that echo the character of the original baths, while keeping the impact on the volcanic surroundings to a minimum. Until the project is completed, visitors can view the site as a coastal landmark, notable above all for its history and geology. When is the best time to visit? The south of La Palma, where Fuencaliente lies, enjoys mild weather year-round, so the area can be visited in any season. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for walking the coastal trail, while in summer it's worth avoiding the hottest hours of the day, since the volcanic terrain offers little natural shade. Frequently asked questions Can you bathe in Fuente Santa? The site is currently at the development stage of becoming a thermal spa complex, so whether you can access the water for bathing depends on the state of construction at any given time. Why was the water lost for so long? Lava from the 1677 eruption of the San Antonio volcano buried the spring under dozens of metres of rock, and pinpointing its exact location required drilling a tunnel through the cliff — something only achieved in 2005. Does Fuente Santa have historical significance? Yes — from pre-Hispanic times through the colonial era, it was regarded as one of the most important healing springs in the Canary Islands, with its water even exported to the Americas. What else is worth seeing nearby? Fuencaliente de La Palma is also known for the Teneguía volcano, the Faro de Fuencaliente lighthouse, and the Salinas de Fuencaliente salt flats, all of which make good stops on the same trip to the south of the island.

Cova dels Rossegadors

la Pobla de Benifassà

Cova dels Rossegadors is a rock-art cave in the municipality of la Pobla de Benifassà, in the province of Castellón, part of the Comunitat Valenciana region in eastern Spain. Also known locally as Cueva del Polvorín, it sits inside the Tinença de Benifassà natural park, close to the Ulldecona reservoir. Visiting it combines a walk through a mountainous, wooded landscape with a direct encounter with prehistory, since the paintings on its walls have survived in the open rock shelter for thousands of years. What will you find inside the cave? The shelter itself is modest in size, roughly 29 metres long, 3 metres high and 1.6 metres deep, yet its walls hold more than 200 individual paintings. The scenes depict hunting episodes with human figures and archers, alongside imagery linked to animal domestication and gathering activities. Among the painted animals you can make out goats, deer, wild boars and birds. It's this density and variety of imagery in such a small space that makes the site stand out among rock-art shelters in the region. Why is it part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing? The paintings at Cova dels Rossegadors belong to the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula, a serial UNESCO World Heritage property inscribed in 1998. That designation groups together dozens of prehistoric rock-art sites scattered across eastern Spain, and this cave is one of them, evidence of how widespread and artistically consistent these hunter-gatherer communities were across the region. Is the cave accessible for visitors with visual impairments? Yes. Access to the site has recently been adapted specifically for visually impaired visitors. The visit is supported by extra materials designed to make the experience tactile and understandable without relying on sight alone: three-dimensional reproductions of the paintings, magnetic silhouettes mounted on a wall, and replicas of the tools used by the people who once lived here, including bows, arrows and ceramic vessels. How do you get to Cova dels Rossegadors? The cave lies within the Tinença de Benifassà natural park, in the mountainous inland part of Castellón province near the border with Catalonia. It's an area popular with hikers and nature lovers, and the nearby Ulldecona reservoir adds views over water and forested slopes to the visit. Because this is an archaeological site, visits are typically organised as guided tours, which also helps put the paintings into their historical context. Frequently Asked Questions What do the paintings in Cova dels Rossegadors depict? Hunting scenes with human figures and archers, imagery related to domestication and gathering, and animals including goats, deer, wild boars and birds. Is Cova dels Rossegadors part of a UNESCO World Heritage site? Yes, its paintings are part of the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998. Is the cave adapted for visitors with visual impairments? Yes, the visit includes three-dimensional reproductions of the paintings, magnetic silhouettes and replicas of prehistoric tools. Where exactly is the cave located? In the municipality of la Pobla de Benifassà, Castellón province, inside the Tinença de Benifassà natural park, near the Ulldecona reservoir.

Abrigo del Panal

Vélez-Blanco

Abrigo del Panal is a painted rock shelter near Vélez-Blanco, in the province of Almería, Andalusia. What is Abrigo del Panal? Abrigo del Panal is one of the rock shelters belonging to the Abrigos del Maimón, a group of prehistoric painted sites scattered across the eastern and southern slopes of the Maimón massif, facing the Rambla de Chirivel valley. Alongside Panal, the group includes shelters such as Yedra, Letreros, Letreros Inferior, Molinos I and II, Hoyos I and II, and Covachas. The paintings found here belong to the so-called Schematic Art tradition — simplified, symbolic depictions of human figures, animals and abstract signs dating from the late Neolithic and Bronze Age on the Iberian Peninsula. Why does this site matter? The Maimón shelters, Abrigo del Panal among them, are protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural — Spain's highest heritage protection category — and form part of the broader UNESCO World Heritage inscription covering the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula. Together, the shelters scattered through the mountains around Vélez-Blanco and the neighbouring municipality of María make up one of the largest and most significant collections of prehistoric art in Europe. What should visitors know before going? Just nearby stands the far more famous Cueva de los Letreros, home to the so-called "Indalo" — a schematic human figure holding a bow, now the emblematic symbol of Almería province and the wider Los Vélez region. Panal is less well known than Letreros, but it belongs to the same complex and the same painting tradition, making it a worthwhile addition for visitors specifically interested in the region's prehistory. Because the paintings are fragile and legally protected, access to some of the shelters can be restricted or may require prior arrangement. It's worth confirming current conditions locally rather than relying on general information found online. How to get there and what else to see nearby? Abrigo del Panal sits in hilly terrain on the outskirts of Vélez-Blanco, a small town also known for the Renaissance castle overlooking its rooftops. The surrounding landscape is typical of eastern Andalusia — dry hills, ravines (ramblas) and sparse Mediterranean scrub — where natural rock shelters have offered refuge for thousands of years and, as the paintings show, also served as places of symbolic and spiritual expression for the area's early inhabitants. A visit pairs naturally with time spent in Vélez-Blanco itself and, for those with a deeper interest in archaeology, with the other painted shelters of the Maimón group nearby. Frequently Asked Questions Is Abrigo del Panal part of a UNESCO site? Yes. It belongs to the wider UNESCO World Heritage inscription covering the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula, together with the other Maimón shelters. How does Panal differ from the famous Cueva de los Letreros? Letreros is the region's best-known and most-visited site, home to the Indalo figure. Panal belongs to the same Maimón group and painting tradition but receives far less visitor attention. What kind of rock art can be seen here? Schematic paintings — simplified depictions of human figures, animals and symbols dating to the late Neolithic and Bronze Age. Is the shelter freely accessible? Because of conservation concerns, access can be limited. It's best to check current rules locally or with the tourist information office before visiting.

Espluga dels Morts

Cabó

Espluga dels Morts is a cave located in Cabó, a small municipality in the Alt Urgell comarca, in the province of Lleida, Catalonia. It's a destination for travelers drawn to the lesser-known corners of the Catalan Pyrenees, away from the busier tourist trails. Where exactly is the cave? Espluga dels Morts lies within the municipality of Cabó, in the valley of the Cabó river, a small tributary of the Segre, running at the foot of the Serra del Boumort in the northeastern part of Lleida province. The surrounding area is mountainous and sparsely populated: the municipality itself has fewer than a hundred residents, and most of its land is covered by red pine forests and pastures. It's a landscape typical of the Pyrenean foothills — steep slopes, narrow valleys, and little built-up area beyond the village of Cabó itself. What does the name "Espluga dels Morts" mean? The word "espluga" in Catalan means cave or rock shelter, and it's one of the more common elements in Catalan place names — dozens of sites across the region carry a similar name. The addition "dels Morts," meaning "of the dead," appears in the names of several Catalan caves, since grottoes of this kind were historically sometimes used as burial places or turned out to contain human remains. For Espluga dels Morts in Cabó, however, there is no widely available, detailed record of specific archaeological findings or a documented history of the cave itself — the name points to a naming pattern typical of the region rather than to confirmed facts about this particular site. What is the area around the cave like? The Cabó valley stretches along a small river on the right bank of the Segre, in the shadow of the Boumort massif, one of the more notable landmarks of this part of the Pyrenees. The local economy has long rested on dairy cattle farming along with growing cereals and forage crops, and that history is visible in the landscape: broad pastures alternate with conifer woodland. The village of Cabó itself, spread on both banks of the river, is small and quiet — a place for those who value calm and contact with nature over developed tourist infrastructure. What else is worth seeing nearby? At the center of Cabó stands the Romanesque church of Sant Serni, a former parish church later replaced by a newer building dedicated to Sant Isidre and Sant Serni. It's one of the few clear landmarks in the area and a natural reference point for anyone planning a trip toward the cave. The wider Alt Urgell region also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking through mountainous terrain, though it's worth keeping in mind that infrastructure around Espluga dels Morts itself is limited — this is a spot better suited to lovers of wild nature and caving than to visitors expecting a fully developed trail. Frequently Asked Questions Is Espluga dels Morts a large, tourist-developed cave? There's no publicly available data on its size or level of development — it's a small, poorly documented cave in a mountainous setting, without built-up tourist infrastructure. Where does the cave's name come from? "Espluga" is Catalan for cave or rock shelter, and "dels Morts" means "of the dead." Names like this are common across Catalonia and usually relate to caves that were historically used for burial, though for this specific cave no widely confirmed historical details are available. How do you get to the area around the cave? Espluga dels Morts sits within the municipality of Cabó, in the Cabó river valley in the Alt Urgell comarca. Given the mountainous, sparsely populated character of the region, it's worth planning the drive around local road conditions and checking details with the nearest tourist information point. What else can you see in the village of Cabó? Worth a look are the Romanesque church of Sant Serni and the valley itself — a setting of pastures, pine woodland, and views toward the Boumort range, characteristic of the Catalan Pyrenean foothills.

Cueva del Clarillo

Quesada

Cueva del Clarillo is a rock art cave near Quesada, a town in the province of Jaén, Andalusia. It sits within the wider area of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, Spain's largest and most densely wooded protected area, making the site appealing to both archaeology enthusiasts and nature lovers. What is inside the cave? The rock shelter holds a panel of paintings and engravings combining Levantine and Schematic styles, dated to the Postpaleolithic period. The motifs include handprints, zoomorphic pectiniform figures, bars, engravings, a point mark, finger tracings, and branching shapes spread across the rock surface. Cueva del Clarillo is considered the most significant rock art site in the Quesada area. Why are the handprints so unusual? The site's standout feature is a set of handprints made by a child between 8 and 10 years old. Unlike most Spanish sites with hand motifs, where hands are painted or stencilled in negative, the prints at Cueva del Clarillo were pressed directly into the soft rock surface. This direct-impression technique is rare across the Iberian Peninsula, which is why the cave draws attention from prehistoric art researchers. When was the cave discovered? The site was found by local resident Claro Jódar in September 1991, and the cave takes its name from him. Since the discovery, Cueva del Clarillo has been studied by specialists working on the rock art of the Mediterranean Basin of the Iberian Peninsula. What protection status does it hold? The cave was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Spanish Cultural Heritage Asset) in 1985. It also forms part of the broader group of rock art sites of the Mediterranean Basin of the Iberian Peninsula inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Because the paintings and engravings are fragile, access can be restricted, so it is worth checking current visiting conditions with local tourist information before planning a trip. How do you get there and what should you know before visiting? Quesada lies in the Alto Guadalquivir comarca, on the eastern edge of Jaén province, right at the gateway to the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas. It makes a convenient base for exploring the region's archaeological sites as well as for hiking in the natural park. Given the site's heritage protection status, visiting with a guide or an organized tour is recommended, which also helps with locating the cave entrance in the surrounding mountainous terrain. Frequently Asked Questions What makes Cueva del Clarillo different from other rock art caves in the region? Its defining feature is a unique set of handprints made by a child, created by direct impression into the rock rather than painting or stencilling — a technique rarely documented at other Spanish sites. Can the cave be visited independently? Access is often regulated due to the site's protected status and the fragility of the artwork. Checking with the local tourist information office in Quesada before visiting is advisable. How old is the rock art in the cave? The paintings and engravings date to the Postpaleolithic period and combine features of both the Levantine and Schematic rock art styles. Is Cueva del Clarillo part of a UNESCO World Heritage site? Yes, it belongs to the group of rock art sites of the Mediterranean Basin of the Iberian Peninsula, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

cueva Chiquita

María

Cueva Chiquita is a small rock shelter with prehistoric paintings located in the municipality of María, in the Los Vélez area at the far northern edge of Almería province, Andalusia. The site records human presence in the region dating back to the Neolithic period and forms part of the wider area inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula. What will you see at Cueva Chiquita? Cueva Chiquita is not a deep cave you explore with a torch — it is a rock shelter (abrigo) holding surviving prehistoric paintings. Shelters of this kind around Los Vélez date to prehistoric times and are evidence of a hunter-gatherer society that used natural rock recesses for shelter and, quite possibly, ritual purposes. The paintings belong to a wider cluster of rock-art sites scattered across the cliffs surrounding María and neighbouring Vélez-Blanco — one of the densest concentrations of prehistoric art anywhere in Europe. Why does this site matter? Cueva Chiquita sits within the territory protected by UNESCO since 1998 under the listing "Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula," which covers dozens of rock-art sites strung along eastern Spain. It is precisely the density and variety of shelters in Los Vélez — alongside the better-known Cueva de los Letreros near Vélez-Blanco — that convinced the UNESCO committee of the region's outstanding value as testimony to some of the earliest human artistic expression on the Iberian Peninsula. How do you get to Cueva Chiquita? María sits on the northern fringe of Almería province, a mountainous, sparsely populated strip bordering Murcia and Granada. Driving is by far the most practical option, since the area has no direct rail links; the nearest towns of any size, Vélez-Blanco and Vélez-Rubio, lie a short drive away. It's worth combining a visit with both towns and with the nearby Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park. When is the best time to visit? The Los Vélez region sits above 1,000 metres, meaning cooler summers than Almería's coast and cold, occasionally snowy winters. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best windows, with mild temperatures and rock trails that aren't baking under direct sun. What else is worth seeing nearby? Beyond Cueva Chiquita, the Los Vélez area holds the castle of Vélez-Blanco, one of Andalusia's most important Renaissance residences, and the aforementioned Cueva de los Letreros, the area's most famous rock-art site and the source of the Indalo figure, now the emblem of Almería province as a whole. The Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park adds hiking trails and mountain scenery that contrast sharply with Almería's better-known desert landscapes. Frequently asked questions Is Cueva Chiquita open to visitors? Like most rock shelters in the Los Vélez area, the site is in the open air — there's no ticket office or fixed opening hours, and it's reached on foot via a marked trail. Do you need to pay an entrance fee? No — rock-art sites of this kind in the region are public heritage and don't charge admission. Is a guide worth hiring? Yes, especially since the paintings can be faint and easy to miss for an untrained eye — the tourist information offices in Vélez-Blanco and Vélez-Rubio organise guided routes around the area's rock-art sites. How much time should you set aside? Cueva Chiquita itself takes only a few minutes to see, but it's worth allotting a full day to combine it with nearby sites and the castle in Vélez-Blanco.

Abrigo del Gabar

Vélez-Blanco

Abrigo del Gabar is a small rock shelter with prehistoric paintings, set on the northern slope of Cerro del Gabar in Vélez-Blanco, in the province of Almería. It overlooks the Caramel river valley near a gorge known as the Estrecho de Santonge, and forms part of a wider network of prehistoric rock art sites that has made this corner of Andalusia famous among archaeologists and travelers alike. What will you see at Abrigo del Gabar? The name Abrigo del Gabar actually covers two adjoining rock cavities, one above the other. Only the upper one holds paintings — a modest recess no more than four metres wide at the entrance and about a metre and a half high inside. Despite its small size, the rock face carries numerous figures painted in what specialists call schematic art: geometric shapes and simplified human and animal silhouettes, quite different from the more realistic animal scenes found in older Palaeolithic cave paintings elsewhere on the Iberian Peninsula. Schematic art belongs to a later prehistoric period and follows its own symbolic logic rather than aiming for lifelike representation. How do you get there? Abrigo del Gabar sits in hilly, sparsely populated terrain north of the town of Vélez-Blanco, so reaching it means driving your own vehicle and finishing with a short walk over uneven, rocky ground. Bring a map or GPS beforehand, since the area is not densely signposted, and the shelter itself is tucked into a rock escarpment above the valley floor. Because there is no shade along the approach and the site is fully exposed to the sun, it is best visited during the cooler hours of the day. Why does this site matter historically? The paintings at Abrigo del Gabar were discovered during an expedition in the spring of 1911, a find that triggered a chain of further rock art discoveries across Andalusia that continues to this day. The shelter is one of eight protected rock art zones around Vélez-Blanco and María, included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the rock art of the Mediterranean Basin of the Iberian Peninsula. Under Spanish law the area also holds the status of Bien de Interés Cultural, a national cultural heritage designation that gives it legal protection independent of its UNESCO status. When is the best time to visit? Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Abrigo del Gabar, when temperatures in the Almería region are far milder than in the height of summer. In summer the rock face heats up considerably and the approach trail offers no shelter from the sun. Morning light also gives the clearest view of the painted details, which can be hard to make out under the region's strong midday sun. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the shelter? Access to the rock recess is usually possible, but given its protected status and the fragility of the paintings, visitors should avoid touching the walls or going beyond any marked boundaries. Do you need a guide? It is not required, but a local guide can help locate the shelter on the ground and point out the best viewing angles for the paintings, which are easy to miss without guidance. How is schematic art different from Palaeolithic cave paintings? Schematic art relies on geometric shapes and simplified silhouettes, in contrast to the more realistic animal depictions typical of older Palaeolithic cave art. Is Abrigo del Gabar the only site of its kind in the area? No — it is one of eight protected rock art zones around Vélez-Blanco and María that together form part of the UNESCO listing for the rock art of the Mediterranean Basin.

Abrigo de la Cañada de la Cruz

Santiago-Pontones

Abrigo de la Cañada de la Cruz is a rock shelter with prehistoric paintings in the municipality of Santiago-Pontones, in the province of Jaén, within the Sierra de Segura mountains. The site sits close to the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park and is one of several nearby shelters preserving ancient rock art. What will you see there? The shelter is made up of several connected rock cavities, two of which are joined by an internal tunnel. Parts of the rock walls were later used as a makeshift dwelling, which is why some surfaces are whitewashed. The paintings themselves were discovered in 1997. Together with the nearby Abrigo de Río Frío and the Cuevas del Engarbo I and II, they form a single group of rock art typical of the Mediterranean Arc of the Iberian Peninsula. These four sites in the municipality of Santiago-Pontones were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 as part of the series "Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula." This recognition places the Santiago-Pontones area among the most significant locations for prehistoric rock art in Europe. How do you get there? Abrigo de la Cañada de la Cruz lies within the municipality of Santiago-Pontones, a mountainous, sparsely populated area in the east of Jaén province, close to the border with Albacete province. Access is via local mountain roads — it's best to plan a route starting from one of the municipality's towns (Santiago de la Espada or Pontones), from where narrower rural roads lead further into the hills and require careful driving. Given the terrain, sturdy walking shoes are a good idea, since reaching the shelter itself may involve a short walk on foot. When is the best time to visit? The Sierra de Segura region has a typical Andalusian mountain climate — hot summers and cooler, sometimes snowy winters. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and good visibility for both the paintings and the surrounding landscape. It's worth checking local access conditions before setting out, as some rock art sites in the region are subject to visiting restrictions for conservation reasons. What should you know before visiting? The rock art found in the shelters around Santiago-Pontones documents prehistoric human activity in this part of the Iberian Peninsula — paintings discovered in recent decades have steadily expanded what is known about the range and chronology of Mediterranean Arc rock art. The images are fragile and sensitive to touch and humidity changes, so visits are usually carried out under conservation rules — no touching the rock surfaces and no direct artificial lighting on the paintings. The Santiago-Pontones area also makes a good base for exploring the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, one of the largest protected areas in Spain, known for its mountains, the source of the Segura river, and rich wildlife, including populations of deer and mouflon. Frequently asked questions What is Abrigo de la Cañada de la Cruz? It's a rock shelter with prehistoric paintings in the municipality of Santiago-Pontones. Its artwork was discovered in 1997, and in 1998 the site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Mediterranean Arc rock art ensemble on the Iberian Peninsula. Where exactly is the shelter located? In the mountainous part of Jaén province, within the municipality of Santiago-Pontones, in the Sierra de Segura area, close to the border with Albacete province. Can you visit the paintings on your own? Access to rock art sites in the region is often regulated for conservation reasons — it's worth checking current visiting rules with local authorities or the municipal tourist information office before you go. What else is worth seeing nearby? Close by are other shelters from the same UNESCO ensemble — Abrigo de Río Frío and Cuevas del Engarbo I and II — as well as the extensive Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park.

Abrigo de las Colmenas

Vélez-Blanco

Abrigo de las Colmenas is a small rock shelter with prehistoric paintings, set on the southern slope of the Maimón Chico hill less than two kilometers from the town center of Vélez-Blanco, in the province of Almería. The site sits within the Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing "Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula." What will you see at Abrigo de las Colmenas? The name "Colmenas" (beehives) actually refers to three small rock cavities close together, though paintings survive only in the largest of them. Its wall carries two groups of figures — a right-hand panel and a central panel — totaling ten motifs painted in the schematic style typical of the region. This style favors simplified, geometric forms: strokes, dots, and highly reduced human shapes, usually rendered in red pigment. The most recognizable figure on the panel is a human shape with arms bent into loop-like handles, a form classified among the so-called "indalos" — a motif also found at other sites across the Los Vélez district and now widely recognized as an unofficial symbol of Almería province as a whole. It is this figure that draws visitors interested in prehistory and early art, despite the shelter's modest size. How do you get to Abrigo de las Colmenas? Access is on foot from Vélez-Blanco, along a marked trail that runs through the Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park. Many visitors combine this walk with a visit to the much larger and better-known rock art site at Abrigo de los Letreros nearby, turning it into a single outing covering two of the region's key prehistoric sites. The terrain is rocky and uneven in places, so sturdy walking shoes are worth packing, and in the warmer months you should bring water and sun protection, since most of the route runs through open, largely unshaded ground. When is the best time to visit? The Los Vélez area has a continental mountain climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best seasons for the walk to the shelter, offering mild temperatures and good visibility on the trail. In summer, midday heat can be demanding on the exposed stretches, so early morning or early evening hours are recommended. The story behind its discovery The paintings at Abrigo de las Colmenas were discovered in the second decade of the 20th century during fieldwork carried out by Abbé Henri Breuil, the French prehistorian known for his work on cave and rock art, together with Francisco de Motos, a local pharmacist from Vélez-Blanco. Their surveys across the Comarca de los Vélez identified dozens of schematic rock art sites, of which Colmenas is one of the smaller but well-preserved examples. This body of research later contributed to the inclusion of the region in UNESCO's World Heritage listing for Mediterranean Basin rock art on the Iberian Peninsula. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee for Abrigo de las Colmenas? The shelter sits in an open natural area reached via a walking trail; it isn't a ticketed site like a museum, but it's worth checking current access conditions at the Vélez-Blanco tourist information office beforehand, since rock art sites in the area are sometimes subject to temporary protective restrictions. Can you visit the paintings without a guide? The trail is marked and can be walked independently, but given how small and fragile the paintings are, it's worth using locally available information materials to correctly locate and interpret the panels. How much time should you set aside? Reaching the shelter and viewing the paintings typically takes around an hour one way, but most visitors extend the trip by continuing on to Abrigo de los Letreros, turning it into a half-day excursion. What are the "indalos" seen in the paintings? They are symbolic, schematic depictions of a human figure with arms curved into an arch shape, a motif characteristic of the rock art found across the Los Vélez region — one that later became an informal emblem of Almería province.

Cuevas Menudas

Villasabariego

Cuevas Menudas is a cluster of medieval rock-cut caves in the municipality of Villasabariego, in the province of León. The site sits on the slopes of the hill known as Castro de La Griega, right next to the remains of the Roman city of Lancia, more than 70 meters above the surrounding plain. What will you see there? The complex consists of 17 artificial cavities carved into the rock — a 1921 survey counted 19. They date back to the Early Middle Ages and were used as hermitic cells by monks who sought isolation away from settlements to live a contemplative life apart from the world. Several chambers still bear carved markings on their walls: crosses of various types alongside zoomorphic, linear, and geometric motifs, evidence of the site's early Christian character. The site was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Heritage Site) in 1985, yet it remained largely forgotten and kept deteriorating, eventually landing on Hispania Nostra's Red List of endangered heritage. That changed thanks to years of conservation work carried out by the Provincial Council of León — after seven years of restoration, the caves were officially removed from the endangered list in 2021. The project also included a walkway that lets visitors reach and view the caves safely without touching or wearing down the rock itself. How do you get there? Cuevas Menudas lies in the municipality of Villasabariego, a short drive south of León. A signposted footpath connects the caves to the nearby Castro de la Griega and the excavation site of Roman Lancia, so the three can be combined into a single loop hike covering all of them. You can drive to a parking area near the village, but the last stretch is on foot along a dirt trail that climbs steeply given the elevation gain above the valley floor. When should you visit? Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when León's temperatures are mild and the exposed, treeless climb up the hillside is far more comfortable than under summer heat. If visiting in summer, aim for early morning. The site offers no shade, so bring water, a hat, and sturdy walking shoes. Why visit? Cuevas Menudas is a rare regional example of Early Medieval hermitic settlement carved directly into solid rock, paired with valley views and proximity to one of the province's most significant Roman sites, Lancia. The location has also gained media attention: in 2025 it was featured in a special report on the Spanish TV program "Cuarto Milenio," drawing renewed interest from visitors. Frequently asked questions What exactly are the Cuevas Menudas? They are a group of 17 artificial caves carved into the rock in the municipality of Villasabariego, created during the Early Middle Ages as hermitic cells for solitary monks. Can you go inside the caves? Following the completed restoration, the site is open to visitors via a purpose-built walkway designed to protect the rock from erosion caused by foot traffic. How long does the visit take? The trail starts on foot from a parking area near the village and climbs uphill; visiting the caves together with the nearby Castro de la Griega and Lancia typically takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on pace. What else is worth seeing nearby? Right next door are the Castro de la Griega hillfort and the archaeological site of the ancient Roman city of Lancia — both can be visited on the same outing.

Cova del Càvet

Conca de Dalt

Cova del Càvet is a small cave in the municipality of Conca de Dalt, in the Pallars Jussà region of Catalonia. It lies within the area of the former municipality of Toralla i Serradell, southwest of the village of Serradell, on the western flank of the Tossal del Càvet hill. It is one of many underground sites in this part of the Pyrenees, an area well known for caves carved into conglomerate rock — nearby, in the Serra de Lleràs, runs Cova Cuberes, considered the longest conglomerate cave in all of Catalonia, with over 13,500 metres of passages. What will you see inside? Cova del Càvet consists of a single main gallery. Near the entrance it is spacious and tall enough to walk through upright, but as it goes deeper the passage gradually narrows, eventually requiring visitors to stoop or crawl in the innermost sections. This shape — a broad mouth tapering into a tighter tunnel — is typical of the conglomerate karst caves found throughout the Serradell area. How do you get there? The starting point is the village of Serradell, within the municipality of Conca de Dalt, deep in the Catalan Pyrenees. From the village centre, head toward the Tossal del Càvet hill and approach from its western slope — the cave lies southwest of the Serradell settlement. The terrain is mountainous, so sturdy hiking footwear and extra time are advisable, especially without a local guide or a detailed map of the region's caving routes. Who is this cave for? Cova del Càvet is not a commercially developed show cave — there is no lighting, ticket booth, or marked guided route. It suits visitors interested in caving, mountain exploration, and lesser-known corners of Pallars Jussà. Because the passage narrows further in, exploring the deeper sections calls for basic caving preparation and equipment (headlamp, suitable clothing); those without caving experience should stick to the roomier entrance area. When is the best time to visit? Pallars Jussà has a mountain climate with cold winters and mild summers. Late spring through early autumn is generally the best window for hiking around Serradell and visiting sites like Cova del Càvet, when approach trails are dry and easier to follow. Inside, the cave keeps a steady, cool temperature year-round, so a warmer layer is worth packing even in summer. Frequently asked questions Is Cova del Càvet safe for inexperienced visitors? The wide entrance section of the gallery is accessible to most visitors. The deeper, narrowing parts require basic caving skills and equipment and are not recommended for people without prior experience. Are there other caves nearby worth visiting? Yes. The area around Serradell in Conca de Dalt is rich in conglomerate caves, the best known being Cova Cuberes in the Serra de Lleràs — the longest cave of this type in Catalonia. Do you need a guide to visit? The cave is not formally set up for tourism, so for deeper exploration it is worth contacting a local caving club or a guide familiar with the terrain around Serradell. What's the best way to reach Serradell? Serradell sits deep within the municipality of Conca de Dalt, in Pallars Jussà, reached via local roads leading into the Pyrenees. A car is the most practical option given the mountainous, sparsely developed character of the region.

The Caves of Hundered Pillars

Arnedo

The Caves of Hundred Pillars (Cuevas de los Cien Pilares) in Arnedo, La Rioja, form an underground labyrinth carved into the rock beneath San Miguel hill — one of the most extensive cave complexes in the entire Cidacos valley. What exactly is hidden inside the hill? The complex is a network of chambers and galleries hollowed directly out of the sandstone, linked by long passages and staircases across four levels. Many of the rooms have ceilings held up by pillars cut from the same rock, which is where the site gets its name. The caves date back to the Middle Ages, when instability in the surrounding valleys pushed local communities to seek shelter in the mountains — or literally inside them. Historians believe one of the chambers may once have housed the rock-cut monastery of San Miguel. Over the centuries the caves changed purpose. Until the mid-20th century, families from Arnedo used them not as homes but as practical storage space — pantries, cellars, and warehouses that stayed naturally cool and stable regardless of the weather outside. This everyday "life underground" is now the subject of a small exhibition included in the visit. How do you get there and what does a visit look like? The caves sit right in Arnedo, at the foot of San Miguel hill, which overlooks the town's old quarter. You can't wander into the complex on your own — access is only possible on a guided tour that departs from the town center. The route winds through successive levels of galleries, revealing the pillar construction and the layout of the chambers, and because group size is limited, booking a spot ahead of time is recommended. What will you actually see inside? The visit starts at the Interpretation Center of Cave Life, which lays out the story of Arnedo's cave-dwelling past in brief — from medieval refuge to everyday storage space well into the 20th century. From there, a guide leads visitors through the caves themselves: narrow passages open into wide chambers with vaulted ceilings resting on stone pillars, and staircases connect levels tucked several meters beneath the hill's surface. It's a rare chance to see a structure that grew for centuries not upward, but inward, into solid rock. When is the best time to visit? Because the interior temperature stays constant regardless of conditions outside, the caves can be visited comfortably almost any time of year. It's still worth checking the current guided-tour schedule and reserving a slot in advance, since the number of daily visits is limited. Frequently Asked Questions Can I visit the caves on my own, without a guide? No — entry to the complex is only possible as part of an organized guided tour that starts from Arnedo's town center. How long does the visit take? A standard tour covering the caves and the interpretation center runs for around two hours. Were the caves ever used as actual homes? Not quite — families from Arnedo mainly used them as storage space (pantries, cellars, warehouses) up until the mid-20th century, while earlier, in the Middle Ages, they served as shelter and possibly the site of a rock-cut monastery. Why are they called the Caves of Hundred Pillars? The name comes from the numerous pillars carved straight out of the solid rock, which support the vaulted ceilings of the chambers spread across the complex's four levels.

Cova del Sardo

la Vall de Boí

Cova del Sardo is an archaeological site in the Sant Nicolau valley, within the municipality of la Vall de Boí, inside the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in the Pyrenees. This rock shelter sits at roughly 1,780 metres above sea level and has become one of the key pieces of evidence for early human presence in the high Pyrenees, dating back to the Neolithic period. What kind of site is it? Cova del Sardo is not a show cave with lit walkways — it's a natural rock shelter that people used seasonally thousands of years ago. Excavations carried out between 2006 and 2008 uncovered an occupation sequence spanning roughly three thousand years, from around 5500 to 2500 BCE. The findings show how small rock shelters scattered across the high Pyrenees served as temporary camps for shepherds and hunter-gatherers moving through the mountains. Archaeologists found the remains of combustion structures at the site, along with evidence that local herbs and wood were used both for fuel and for building simple vegetal roofing. This tells us that the people who stopped here knew how to work with what the surrounding mountain environment offered, even in the Stone Age. Why does it matter for the region's history? The site fits into a wider picture of how the high mountains of northwestern Catalonia were settled from the start of the Holocene onward. Together with other sites documented across the National Park, Cova del Sardo shows that occupation of small rock shelters intensified from around 3000 BCE, then went through significant changes around 2400 BCE. For researchers studying Pyrenean prehistory, it remains one of the best-documented high-altitude sites in the region. How do you get there? Cova del Sardo lies in the Sant Nicolau valley, one of the valleys that make up the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, within the municipality of la Vall de Boí. Access is on foot along the trails that run up the valley — given the altitude (close to 1,780 m) and the mountain terrain, plan for it as you would a full day of hiking in the high Pyrenees, with proper footwear and enough water. The site itself has no visitor infrastructure or signage as a tourist attraction, so it's best visited as part of a broader hike through the Sant Nicolau valley and its landscapes. What will you see on site? You'll find a natural rock shelter set into the rugged, high-mountain scenery of the Sant Nicolau valley. The shape of the terrain itself — a rocky recess sheltered from wind and rain — makes it easy to understand why prehistoric people chose this spot for seasonal camps. Keep in mind that the material evidence from the excavations (tools, traces of hearths) has been moved to museum and research collections, so today the site's main value is scenic and historical rather than as a display of artifacts. When should you visit? Given the altitude and mountainous terrain, the best time to explore the Sant Nicolau valley and the surroundings of Cova del Sardo is summer and early autumn, when the trails are clear of snow and passable. In spring and late autumn, check current conditions in the National Park before setting out, and in winter the higher sections can be inaccessible without proper mountaineering gear. Frequently asked questions Can Cova del Sardo be visited like a regular show cave? No — it's an archaeological site inside a natural rock shelter, with no tourist infrastructure such as lit paths. You visit it as part of a hike through the Sant Nicolau valley. What did the excavations find? Digs carried out between 2006 and 2008 revealed a Neolithic occupation sequence (roughly 5500–2500 BCE), including combustion structures and evidence that local herbs and wood were used to build roofing. Exactly where is the site located? In the Sant Nicolau valley, at about 1,780 metres above sea level, within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, in the municipality of la Vall de Boí. Do you need a guide to reach it? Not strictly, but because of the mountain terrain and altitude it's worth planning the route ahead of time, checking the weather forecast, and wearing proper hiking footwear.

Cueva de los Burros

La Pernía

Cueva de los Burros is a small cave in the municipality of La Pernía, in the province of Palencia (Castile and León), notable for rock art that is unique in the surrounding mountains. It opens at the foot of limestone cliffs in the Híjar range, near the Peña Basa massif, directly above the village of Camasobres, at roughly 1,330 metres above sea level. How do you get there? The cave sits in the mountainous heart of La Pernía, among the small villages that make up the municipality, with Camasobres serving as the starting point for the shortest approach. Getting there by car means following local roads through the valley, but the final stretch has to be covered on foot, over rocky and at times steep ground leading up to the base of the limestone wall. It's worth timing a visit for good weather, since the path is unlit and not adapted for visitors with limited mobility. What will you see? Inside, the cave consists of a single gallery about 8 metres long, 4 metres wide and 1.5 metres high, partly divided into two chambers by a natural rock arch. It is the only cave in the Palencia Mountains where rock paintings have been found — a rare regional example of post-Palaeolithic schematic art, likely dating to the Chalcolithic period. The paintings are faint and heavily worn by erosion, showing anthropomorphic figures along with the dots and lines typical of schematic rock art. Local shepherds knew of the cave for generations and used it occasionally as shelter while grazing livestock in the surrounding hills. It was first brought to scientific attention in 1934 by the French archaeologist Henri Breuil, one of the leading figures in the study of prehistoric art on the Iberian Peninsula. In 1985 the site was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (a protected cultural heritage asset), recognising its importance to the region's archaeological record. When should you visit? Given its altitude above 1,300 metres and the rugged approach, spring, summer and early autumn are the best times to go, when the trail is dry and passable. In winter, snow and ice on the steeper sections can make the walk considerably harder. Can you go inside? Access to the cave's interior is restricted, a measure meant to protect the fragile, already eroded paintings from further damage. A visit therefore focuses mainly on reaching the entrance and the foot of the limestone cliff, where you can take in the scale of the rock formation and the surrounding Híjar landscape. Frequently asked questions What is Cueva de los Burros? It's a small single-gallery cave in the municipality of La Pernía, known for rock paintings — the only ones found anywhere in the Palencia Mountains. How old is the rock art inside the cave? The paintings follow a schematic style typical of the post-Palaeolithic period and are linked to the Chalcolithic, though erosion makes precise dating difficult. Who discovered the paintings for science? The cave had long been known locally, but it was French prehistorian Henri Breuil who first documented it scientifically, in 1934. Can visitors go inside the cave? Entry to the interior is restricted to protect the paintings from further deterioration, so visits are limited mostly to the area around the entrance.

Cova de Massana

Campanet

Cova de Massana is a small prehistoric cave site in the municipality of Campanet, in the northern part of Mallorca, at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana. It suits travellers looking for a genuine link to the island's deep past rather than a polished tourist attraction — there are no lights, no ticket booth, and no marked visitor path. What exactly is Cova de Massana? It is a hypogeum — a cave used or shaped for burial purposes — dated to the second phase of the pre-Talayotic period, the earliest stage of Mallorca's prehistory, predating the island's better-known Talayotic culture. The site sits close to Cuculla de Massana, a modest 331-metre hill that acts as a natural landmark in this stretch of the Tramuntana range. The surrounding land once formed part of the old Massana estate, split in 1993 into Massana Vell and Massana Nou. It is worth clearing up a common mix-up straight away: Cova de Massana is not the same place as the well-known Coves de Campanet — the show cave with stalactites discovered in 1945 and set up for guided tours. Cova de Massana is a separate archaeological site with a completely different character: unlit, non-commercial, and left largely as it was found. What does the surrounding area look like? The cave lies in the rocky, hilly landscape typical of inland Tramuntana — low Mediterranean scrub, dry stone walls marking old field boundaries, and dry valleys. This is terrain for visitors ready for a walk over uneven ground, ideally in sturdy hiking shoes. There is no visitor infrastructure nearby — no information panels, no signposted trail, no staffed access point — so it is worth checking a topographic map or a hiking app before setting out. Who is this site for? Cova de Massana appeals mainly to people interested in archaeology and Balearic prehistory, as well as travellers who prefer Mallorca's quieter corners, away from the coastal crowds. It also works well as a stop for hikers already exploring the hills around Campanet, rather than as a stand-alone, full-day destination on its own. Anyone hoping for dramatic rock formations, lit passageways, and full tourist facilities should head instead to Coves de Campanet, located in the same municipality. Cova de Massana offers a different kind of experience: a direct, low-key encounter with one of the earliest traces of human presence on the island, set within the natural landscape of the Tramuntana mountains. What should visitors know before going? Because there is no official infrastructure or signage, it is best to confirm the exact location in advance using a detailed map or a local Campanet hiking guide. The village of Campanet itself makes a sensible starting point, with paths leading up into the Tramuntana hills. Bring water, a torch if you plan to look inside, and appropriate footwear — the ground can be stony and uneven, particularly closer to Cuculla de Massana. Frequently Asked Questions Is Cova de Massana the same as Coves de Campanet? No. Coves de Campanet is a commercial show cave discovered in 1945, with lighting and guided tours. Cova de Massana is a separate prehistoric archaeological site with no tourist facilities. Can the cave be visited independently? Yes, but without marked trails or signage — reaching it requires some navigation and preparation, including hiking shoes and a map or trail app. What is inside the cave? It is a burial hypogeum from the second phase of the pre-Talayotic period, one of the oldest traces of human presence on Mallorca, predating the Talayotic culture. Where exactly is Cova de Massana located? In the municipality of Campanet, in northern Mallorca, near the 331-metre Cuculla de Massana hill, on the land of the former Massana estate.

Cova del Pare Palau

Aitona

Cova del Pare Palau is a small cave on the outskirts of Aitona, in the Segrià region of Lleida province, Catalonia. Linked to the hermit life of Father Francesc Palau, it is protected as a local cultural heritage asset and today draws visitors on a spiritual rather than purely scenic basis. Where exactly is the cave located? The cave sits about one kilometre southwest of Aitona's town centre, reached via the local LP-7041 road that connects Aitona with Seròs. It forms the natural closure of a rocky recess at the foot of a slope, shaped by alternating layers of sandstone and shale. Who was Father Palau and why does this cave matter? Francesc Palau was born in Aitona in 1811 and died in 1872. This cave is where he spent long stretches of time living an almost hermit-like existence, with a simple sleeping space and a small fire for warming food. He went on to found a religious congregation whose spirituality still draws on the solitude and contemplation he practised here. That personal history is what turns a modest rock shelter into a site of genuine religious memory rather than just a geological curiosity. What is there to see and do today? Despite its modest size, the cave preserves several distinct spaces that echo the austere way Palau once lived here. The site now functions as a place of pilgrimage: schoolchildren from schools linked to Father Palau's spiritual tradition visit, alongside sisters from the congregation he established. It is also open to independent visitors, and the site regularly hosts spiritual retreats and workshops focused on reflection and personal wellbeing, in keeping with its contemplative origins. What does the surrounding landscape look like? The setting around Cova del Pare Palau is typical of the Segrià countryside — dry hills and rocky slopes with visibly layered rock formations. Its proximity to Seròs and the Segre river valley means the area combines natural scenery with historical weight: this is the same terrain Palau walked before his religious legacy spread well beyond Catalonia. Frequently Asked Questions How do you get to Cova del Pare Palau? The cave lies roughly one kilometre southwest of Aitona's centre, reached along the LP-7041 road towards Seròs. Who was Father Francesc Palau? Born in Aitona in 1811 and died in 1872, he was the founder of a religious congregation and spent long periods living a hermit's life in this very cave. Can visitors go inside the cave? Yes, the site is open to both individual visitors and groups, and it also hosts organised retreats and spiritual gatherings. What makes the cave geologically distinctive? It formed from alternating layers of sandstone and shale, creating a natural enclosure at the base of a rocky slope.

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